• Sport

Coetzee fastest rider under the sun

- 2023-02-13 00:00:00

Namibian cyclist Drikus Coetzee currently has the cycling world at his feet with top performances in several cycling events.
The 2022 Nedbank Desert Dash champion appears unstoppable after another emphatic victory at the Nedbank Cycle Challenge.
"I can’t believe that the year has started off so well, and today it was just about strong legs.
"Konny [Looser] and I worked well together, and it is good to finally win this event.
"I think my year has already been a success, and I will now probably shift focus to ultra-endurance races," Coetzee said.
Last stretch
As they approached the finish line by Zoo Park, familiar faces were accompanied by sirens and traffic lights.
Coetzee and Looser, who had broken away from the rest of the pack, only had each other and the finish line between them.
Coetzee once again got the better of Looser, who had come out on top in most of the past races.
The Namibian cyclist just appeared to have more power in his legs as they approached the finish line.
Just as they did at the Nedbank Dobra Loops, Looser and Coetzee took first and second place, respectively.
Ingram Cuff had to settle for third place after losing ground to the two front cyclists.
Challenge overcome
In the women’s division, Risa Dreyer put up a fantastic performance following her first-place finish.
Dreyer capitalised on the absence of Vera Looser to make the Nedbank Cycle Challenge Race her own.
"It was a great race even though the wind was challenging on the way back, but luckily I was prepared.
"Next stop is the Tour de Windhoek next weekend, and we hope to do well there too," Dreyer said.
Dreyer was followed by Belinda van Rhyn, while Nicola Fester settled for third place.
Talented competitors
The 60 km men’s category was won by Roger Suren, followed by Marco Thiel and Cobus Smit.
Delsia Janse van Vuuren was crowned champion of the women’s 60 km race, followed by Rosemarie Thiel.
Eden Spangenberg also delivered a good finish in third position despite a talented field.
The 20 km women’s race was won by Nadine Gerber, with Jolene Jacobs coming in second and Cornel Theron in third.
Benyamen Philipus won the men’s 20 km category, followed by Richard Slamey, with Nick Berry taking third.